Flag ceremony honors patriotic heroes (w/video)

Maxine Mathias, 79, and her great-granddaughter, Kaeli White, 8, place a flag in memory of Mathias' father, George O. McGinnis; brother, James D. McGinnis; and husband, L.D. Mathias, at the Warrior's Weekend Field of Honor. Families and friends honored those who have served by placing about 2,700 flags on the field by Faith Family Church on Saturday morning.
Tess Freeman
for The Victoria Advocate

Maxine Mathias honored three strong men in her life Saturday morning when she placed her flag in the Field of Honor: her brother, her father and her husband - all war veterans.

Saturday was her third year participating in the flag-posting ceremony put on by Warrior's Weekend.

She was joined by her brother, Glen McGinnis, 76, and her 8-year-old great-granddaughter, Kaeli.

Kaeli bore the weight of the heavy flag to pay homage to those who lost their lives in the Fort Hood shooting.

Mathias said she "believes in our country and values our men and women fighting for our freedom. It's something we can all do to honor our veterans."

More than 2,700 flags filled a large, empty field at the corner of Mockingbird Lane and Sam Houston Drive outside Faith Family Church. The display kicks off the seventh annual Warrior's Weekend.

The first flags placed recognized eight hometown heroes who died in combat.

Army Spc. Kerry Danyluk, who died April 15 of injuries suffered in Pul-e-Alam, Logar province, Afghanistan, was the eighth flag placed.

"It's not just about not forgetting," Col. Mike Petrash said. "It's about doing something honorable."

Mathias said the reason she brings her great-granddaughter to the field is because she wants to instill in her that sense of dignity and esteem to those who serve in the military.

"They are so proud to serve this country," she said. "Our country doesn't do enough to honor them."